aa3 dau2 gun1阿斗官
Jyutpingaa3 dau2 gun1
Yalea dáu gūn
Definition
The black sheep of a family.
colloquialpeoplefamily
How it's used
Originating from the historical figure Liu Shan, who was famously incompetent, this term describes someone who is useless or a burden to their family. It carries a strong sense of disappointment and frustration from the speaker. Unlike a general troublemaker, it specifically implies a lack of ability or ambition that brings shame to one's kin.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He is always causing trouble, he is simply the black sheep of the family.
Related words
Common phrases
to act like the black sheep
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with general insults for lazy people. It specifically refers to someone who fails to live up to family expectations or ruins the family reputation through their own ineptitude.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
